Truck drivers work tirelessly o carry goods all over the country. And as the season kicks off with intemperate weather conditions throughout the country, following rough-weather safety tips in large vehicles is critical. Here are some of the best tips to help you through the season.
Use All Necessary Signals
A good rule of thumb for truckers in dry or rainy conditions is to give three blinks of your turn signal before switching lanes. But in rough and potentially dangerous conditions, it’s best to give four or five blinks to ensure safety for everyone.
If you’re not moving at the same speed as the surrounding traffic, turn on your four-way hazards. Using your turn signal and hazards lets other drivers know that you are moving slower and prevents a pileup or tailgating issue. Specifically, if visibility decreases and you need to hug the guardrail.
Monitor Tire Spray
One of the best safety tips for semitruck drivers in rough weather is monitoring tire spray from other vehicles’ tires. The amount of spray can warn you of the amount of wetness on the ground and help you gauge the driving conditions.
If you’re going through an area with temperature below freezing and see minimal tire spray, it’s likely that the roads are slick or contain patches of black ice. But if temperatures are above freezing and there is a lot of spray, this can indicate the possibility of hydroplaning.
Traction Is Everything
Hydroplaning occurs when your tires encounter a wet or slick surface and lose adequate traction. A lack of cohesion in the fluid reduces your tires’ ability to grip the road properly.
Ensure you have all-weather tires with optimal tread. If there happens to be an area experiences excessive precipitation, siping—scoring the surface of your tires to improve traction—can assist in creating grip.
Wait It Out
If you feel that the conditions are unmanageable and your truck isn’t capable or visibility is drastically low, an essential safety tip for semitruck drivers in rough weather is to pull off the road and wait it out. Pull-off areas and rest stops are typically open 24 hours for safety purposes. This might also be a good opportunity to rest before driving again.
Accidents can and do happen, particularly in hazardous conditions. If you need an accident evaluation, it’s best to seek out legal advice. You may be eligible for a workers’ comp case should you suffer an injury or accident as a result of driving in rough weather.